Pope warns against Satan’s snares, seductions

CAGLIARI, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with young people on September 22, 2013 in Cagliari, Italy. Pope Francis heads to Cagliari on the Italian island of Sardinia for a pastoral visit that includes celebrating mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria. The Pope announced in May that he wished to visit the Marian Shrine of Bonaria or 'Good Air' because it gave his hometown of Buenos Aires its name. During his 10-hour visit to the city of Cagliari, the Pope will also meet workers, business representatives, prisoners, the poor, young people, leading representatives from the world of culture and the island's Catholic bishops. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

In an October 3 homily for the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City, Pope Francis preached on the heavenly war between the good angels, led by St. Michael, and Satan. This war, he said, also takes place in the human heart every day.

Satan, the Pope told the members of the Vatican police force, lays snares and seduces. The “three steps of the method of the ancient serpent” are manifest in the temptation of Jesus: material wealth, vanity, and power.

“Pray much for the Lord, through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, to defend you from every temptation, from temptation to corruption through money, riches, vanity, and pride,” Pope Francis added during his homily at a Mass that took place in the chapel of the Governorate of Vatican City State.